Design Research Platform

Initiatives and inquiries supported by the Design Research Platform address global challenges, through design-specific methods, tools, and techniques, with particular attention to public engagement and intersecting thematic concentrations in Just Planetary Futures, Wellbeing & Learning, and Heritage at Risk.

Our research focus

We work across seven research themes:

• Living well: Enhancing healthcare and quality of life.
• Sustainability design: Addressing climate challenges through resource-efficient solutions.
• Designing learning: Innovating education through creative collaboration.
• Visual narratives: Telling stories through images and immersive media.
• Fashioning identity: Exploring identity through design and material culture.
• Curating places: Creating site-specific designs that connect with communities.
• Inclusive communities: Promoting social equity and addressing specific needs.

Featured projects

Sensory rooms for dementia care: Dr Anke Jakob’s guidelines improve spaces in care homes, enhancing wellbeing for those with dementia.

Sustainable retail design: Konstantinos Chalaris collaborates with The Body Shop on circular economy principles.

Graphic medicine: Dr John Miers’ comics use storytelling to explore living with multiple sclerosis.

Fixperts framework: Professor Daniel Charny’s open-source design teaching format has been adopted in over 20 countries.

Team and expertise

Led by Dr Alice Twemlow, the platform includes leading and emerging researchers in graphic design, interactive design, illustration, product design, fashion, and interiors, among others. For more information, please contact [email protected]